Help w/ Mother in Law

[gingersmom]

My 80 year old mother in law is coming to visit in 3 weeks. She's very sedentary and has NO hobbies. She gets up every morning and sits in front of her tv until it's time for bed. Please give me some suggestions for things to do with her. Can't go to Mt dora or much other shopping because she doesn't walk that well. She doesn't play golf, or any other athletics. Please Help!!!

[redwitch]

Sounds like maybe breakfast at Katie Belle's, a lunch or two and then let her watch TV. A very slow golf cart ride or two. It's hard when they have no interests.

[gingersmom]

Thanks Red, I was thinking maybe she'd like to make ceramics at the place in LSL where you can paint your own. Also maybe a tour of the different rec centers to see the different beautiful decor.

[redwitch]

And if not too muggy, an evening or two at the squares. Of course, if people are right that the love bugs are back, she can sit outside and swat them. I always find that to be a great pasttime. ;D

[gingersmom]

You're so funny. Doubt she'll sit outside. It's taken us 5 years to get her to leave Long Island for FL because "there's nothing in Florida but heat and bugs!" Maybe I'll take her for amani-pedi and then we'll go to Katie Belles and hook up. (Probably nhot what my husband has in mind.)

[KathieI]

Does she like to play Bingo or Dominoes? My Dad should be with me then and I'm going to try to find some of these events for him. Maybe we could hook up? He loves 80 year olds, loves to rob the cradle.... he's 92 and a lot of fun. They'll have a lot to talk about especially New York. So let me know, and I'll let you know if I find these games within the villages.

[renielarson]

Have you thought about renting a wheelchair for her? You could "wheel" her all around the square and other places with ease.

At least you'd be getting her out and about!

She might even surprise you. She may love it so much she may decide to get up and boogie down....lol. Well, at least, hopeful thinking, huh?

[graciegirl]

Does she like to play Bingo or Dominoes? My Dad should be with me then and I'm going to try to find some of these events for him. Maybe we could hook up? He loves 80 year olds, loves to rob the cradle.... he's 92 and a lot of fun. They'll have a lot to talk about especially New York. So let me know, and I'll let you know if I find these games within the villages.




What a great idea. You just made me smile Kathie. I hope both of those kids have a good time.

[chelsea24]

Does your Mom like to go for rides. My Dad used to love to go for rides with me. It gets them out of the house and there is some beautiful country around here. Wish my Dad could've live to see it.


GG, why are you down? That's not like you darlin'? Please come to the front of my desk. hugs, chels

[aln]

My 89 year old mother-in-law lives with us. She has dementia & Alzheimer's.
My wife takes her to the rec centers during the day that has bluegrass music and acoustic guitar music & country music; VIRTUALLY ANY music pleases her.
Keeps her toes taping, hands clapping and sometimes she sings along.
Seems to work very well.
Even though she's not crazy about being out in the weather, depending on the music she likes the squares.
"music soothes the savage beast!"

[renielarson]

I didn't get the feeling that gracie was down. I got the feeling she was uplifted by Kathie's suggestion and was smiling thinking about what a happy occasion this might be.

[KathieI]

Gracie is never sad, she's so upbeat. Gracie, I'm watching your house everyday, and its crying cause your not there!!!

But I'm not kidding...gingersmom, does she like to dance? He still dances the lindy hop and loves it when women like to dance. We could meet at the squares too. Let's discuss this as it gets closer.

And he really does love to have fun and play games. He's looking forward to getting into assisted living here in Florida as soon as I can get him a room.

[graciegirl]

You caught me. I changed it. My only Granddaughter and my best buddy went away to College yesterday. Sorry to inflict. She is gonna do wonderful things. It's just that she was in arms reach, just a mile away for her whole life.

I am so sorry. I just selfishly hijacked this thread.

Our daughter Helene has been a companion to a not very spry 95 year old, a neighbor, for some time. Her older friend enjoys for me to pop in and give her a manicure and fool with her hair. The movies would be fun. OUR TV bingo's are great especially with that ice cream Sundae in the middle of the time.

[gingersmom]

It's me again. MIL doesn't like to dance but she does like music so going and listening at the squares or the rec centers might be a good idea. I thought of bingo, she'll be here Thursday to Monday afternoon so Kathie I'll see if we can find a game. She has been a widow for 2 years and sometimes I think she's just waiting to join her husband. I'd kinda like to stay in TV so she'll get to like it and it won't take another 5 years to get her here. Thanks for all the suggestions. She'll be here 2 weeks from tonight.

[thehags]

Graciegirl,
I can relate. My daughter left for school in Dayton (we're from Chicago) but I could just feel your reaction. But by Christmas when she came back home, she was so happy and she came home with so much more self-confidence and she just so thoroughly enjoyed her new found independence. It's so hard to see them step away from the nest, but it's what we really want for them.

Enjoy this new experience with her!

[renielarson]

Gracie...you must have posted a response that I missed. Did you delete it then rewrite a new one?.....cause, I never felt sadness from the posts I read.

[vitacr]

If you need a wheel chair - call St Timothy's Catholic Church, St John Lutheran Church or Love Inc - they will lend you one. There is a decent Bingo on Friday evenings (6pm) at the Paradise Rec. Center. St Tim's also has Bingo on Monday evenings. On Tuesday at 1pm there is country music at the Hibiscus Rec. Center and on Wednesday another group plays at Mulberry Rec. Center at 1pm. Also on Wednesday is the Big Band group 9-11am at Laurel Manor. You can watch the Clog 4 Fun group at Plimico at 1pm. Monday & Wednesdays at 6pm check out the Church on the Square for free entertainment. Have a breakfast or lunch at The Veranda at Lake Sumter Landing (located in the Sales building). Hope she enjoys her stay. Good luck. :-*

[Cassie325]

If you need a wheel chair - call St Timothy's Catholic Church, St John Lutheran Church or Love Inc - they will lend you one. There is a decent Bingo on Friday evenings (6pm) at the Paradise Rec. Center. St Tim's also has Bingo on Monday evenings. On Tuesday at 1pm there is country music at the Hibiscus Rec. Center and on Wednesday another group plays at Mulberry Rec. Center at 1pm. Also on Wednesday is the Big Band group 9-11am at Laurel Manor. You can watch the Clog 4 Fun group at Plimico at 1pm. Monday & Wednesdays at 6pm check out the Church on the Square for free entertainment. Have a breakfast or lunch at The Veranda at Lake Sumter Landing (located in the Sales building). Hope she enjoys her stay. Good luck. :-*



WOW....I think I found my social life planner!!!!

[Rokinronda]

Vita, what a wealth of information!!! I'm asking you next time my mom comes down! GG, How sweet!!! I'm sure you will be missed as much as she misses you. Thank goodness for phones and email! She will be only a phone call away. The people here on TOTV are the best!! Kathie, Pops will be here soon??!! Can't wait! I LOVE THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA!

[chuckinca]

Football games on big screens in the bar at Orchard Hills CC on Sunday - get there early to get a booth!

[jojo]

My mother lives with me. Thanks for these suggestions. Gives us some entertainment ideas.

[mfp509]

The New Horizons Band rehearses on Thursday mornings at Hibiscus rec center from 10:00 - 12:00 --- come and sit for a half hour or so to listen and then go out to lunch. Granted it is a rehearsal but we have people who stop by. Let me know if you are coming and I'll look for you. I play saxophone. Call me 750-3684 (Marilyn)

[Frangyomory]

vitacr you are a great lady! You gave some terrific information. Good luck to all who are looking for something for older folks to do. I know that you will find something here in the Villages even for sedentary folks. Bingo is great but I think the music at the squares is fantastic idea. Brings back memories and for some older folks that can be really wonderful. Again vitacr, thanks for the great information!!!!

[gingersmom]

Thanks everybody. Vita you are a true organizer. Marilyn I appreciate the invitation but she won't be here until Thursday evening. Chuch, where is the Orchard Hills CC? You are guys are so nice to help me. Thanks again. Judy

[mfp509]

The New Horizons Band rehearses every Thursday from 10 - 12 at Hibiscus. So you can come any Thursday.

[vitacr]

Thanks guys/gals for all the nice words - I enjoy sharing my knowledge. I have 2 favorite aunts from NJ (92 & 84) that visit each year, and I had my 94.5 yr old Mom up until 2 years ago. Those suggestions I made are all tried & true. Judy, I have no doubt that if you try any of them when she visits, she will be pleased. Happy Days.

[TomW]

My mom is 92 and she really enjoys having her nails done and a trip to the beauty parlor. Do they still call them beauty parlors??

[Rokinronda]

does she need a ride? :dontknow: I personally do my own hair and nails and they may look it, but rides can be and are offered.

[gingersmom]

Thanks rockinronda, but I'll be squiring her around I'm sure. I think we're getting mani-pedi's and then maybe even our hair done. Plus there's always the movies, lots of eating out, and shopping. I might take the suggestion and get a wheelchair so she can be pushed around town. Luckily her duaghter, my siter-in-law is notw coming with her so there'll be lots of help. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and assistance. TV residents are the best.

[golfnut]

chuckinca, where is Orchard Hills CC?? GN